# Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

## Overview

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, encompassing a vast expanse of approximately 13 million acres, holds the distinction of being the largest national park in the United States. Established in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act signed by President Jimmy Carter, the park is situated in eastern Alaska, blending seamlessly into Canada’s Kluane National Park. This magnificent park is renowned for its majestic landscapes, which include towering mountain ranges, sprawling glaciers, and vibrant ecosystems, all of which make it a focal point for scientific research and nature enthusiasts alike.

## Geography

The park's extensive terrain varies dramatically from high mountain peaks to broad valleys. It includes major portions of the Saint Elias Mountains, which boast some of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias at over 18,008 feet, the second-highest mountain in both the United States and Canada. The region is dotted with numerous glaciers, the largest being the Malaspina Glacier, one of the world's largest piedmont glaciers.

The varying elevations and the diversity of landscapes provide habitats for a wide array of flora and fauna. These range from coastal rainforests at lower elevations to alpine tundra at higher elevations. The dynamic environmental conditions foster rich biodiversity within the park boundaries.

## History

Before its designation as a national park, the area of Wrangell-St. Elias had long been home to indigenous peoples, including the Ahtna and the Eyak, who have lived in harmony with its harsh yet bountiful environment for thousands of years. The region is steeped in cultural history, reflected in the many archaeological sites and historical landmarks.

The discovery of copper in the early 20th century led to a mining boom, particularly in what is now the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark within the park. The subsequent decline of these mining operations in the 1930s led to a reversion of the land back to its natural state, which helped pave the way for its preservation as a national park several decades later.

## Conservation and Preservation Efforts

Given its immense size and ecological importance, Wrangell-St. Elias plays a critical role in environmental conservation efforts. It serves as a natural laboratory for scientific research in areas such as geology, ecology, and climate science. Researchers study the park’s ecosystems to better understand natural processes and the impacts of climate change on these fragile environments.

Management of the park is a complex task that involves balancing preservation efforts with the facilitation of recreational activities. The park offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, and camping, which are conducted under strict guidelines to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

## Cultural Significance

The park is not only a hub of natural beauty and biodiversity but also a cultural treasure. It contains numerous historical artifacts and sites, which are important both to the indigenous communities and to historians studying the area's past inhabitants and their lifestyles.

## Recognition and World Heritage Status

Wrangell-St. Elias, together with Glacier Bay National Park, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, and Kluane National Park, form an international UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, recognized for its superlative natural phenomena and outstanding universal value.

## Conclusion

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve stands as a testament to the natural beauty and vast wilderness still present in the modern world. Offering insight into America’s environmental diversity, climatic changes, and geological features, as well as preserving the cultural legacy of its indigenous peoples, the park embodies a significant component of America’s natural and cultural heritage. Whether for the adventurous spirit or the scientific researcher, it remains a place of profound importance and enduring allure.